Defender of Magic Read Online Free PDF

dampened the Scribe’s face. “Then perhaps we can come to a mutually beneficial solution. As you’ve noted, I have something of a goblin infestation. The nest in the eastern ridge caved in. Since then, the nest across the valley has been in a frenzy. Patrolling frequently and even attacking hikers.”
    “Goblin nests don’t typically cave in.” Lugh finished his drink and passed the glass to the Scribe to refill. “But if two nests were so close in proximity, and not warring, then likely one nest expanded to a new location. The loss of so many of their companions agitated the second nest. Once the rage possesses, them it takes a substantial blood debt to placate them.” He relaxed more into the cushions, now that the bourbon dulled his pain. “I shall aid you in eliminating this nest. At the very least, in serving them a devastating blow that should quiet them while they recover their numbers.”
    “They nearly killed you once. Are you certain you want to risk facing them again?”
    “I can’t waste magic teleporting in and out. I’ll risk running into scouting parties every time I return from hunting for an artifact. Getting rid of the nest is necessary.” Lugh sat up, his feet planted firmly on the floor. “We’ll take the fight to the goblins tomorrow, if you’ll have it, Jonathan.”

Chapter Seven

    “Do you trust him?” Willem embraced his knees to his chest and slouched against the wall like a youngling. From the simple wooden bench, he watched as Lugh inspected the equipment in the armory.
    “I trusted Rehnquist.” Lugh checked the length on a pair of greaves. The shin armor appeared to be dragon scale, very durable and flexible. The cured leather cuffs on either end would cover his ankles and the backsides of his knees. Though the goblin that shot him perished within the dragon’s maw, each nest of goblins favored certain attacks. Lugh tossed the greaves onto the bench beside the Scribe. “I desire an alliance with Jonathan and the protection of the dragons for you and the artifacts.”
    Willem contemplated one of Rhiannon’s combs and pouted almost as skillfully as a pixie. For such a learned Scribe, Willem could seem so very young sometimes. “What about a tribe of elves instead? Or dwarves? They are stout fighters.”
    Schooling his expression so the grin that tugged at his lips wouldn’t show overly much, Lugh reassured him, “You needn’t fret. Jonathan wouldn’t actually eat you.”
    “Easy for you to say. You don’t have to stay here, unarmed and looking like a snack.” Willem turned the comb over and then tapped it lightly on his knee.
    Lugh selected a sword from the wall display. Too heavy for the quick, close fighting he was anticipating. He exchanged it for a lighter one. Rolling his wrist, Lugh transcribed slicing circles in the air, first over his right side and then over his left. Good balance. Quick, sharp steel. He pivoted with the movements and though the bandages limited his mobility, he felt not a twinge of pain, thanks entirely to the ‘lubrication’ of the dragon’s liquor. He would have to inquire as to Jonathan’s source. Perhaps he could charm the dragon into procuring a few bottles for Lugh’s medicinal purposes. Not even the needling of the Fade troubled his fingertips at the moment. He sheathed the blade and set it aside on the bench.
    Willem thoughtfully traced the figure on the comb, his full attention fixed upon it as he inquired, “Is it true that the goblins nearly slew you today?”
    That brought a chuckle. “T’was hardly the first time fortune’s pardon spared my life.” Lugh bent close to the Scribe and rubbed the tip of his index finger over the younger fey’s forehead. “Have you not heard? Fretting causes wrinkles.”
    Willem made an amusing yip of annoyance as he batted away Lugh’s teasing.
    “Unless you’d rather bait the trap tomorrow with your scrawny rump.” Lugh made a playful attempt to pinch said rump, sending Willem